A new study investigates pre-existing perceptions about pain medications in individuals with chronic pain, revealing that personalized care by a pharmacist can have a significant impact on patient experiences and outcomes.
A pilot study found that a mindfulness-based program, MODEL Care, improved patients' and family caregivers' ability to cope with the emotional challenges of advanced cancer. The program enhanced their ability to have open discussions about end-of-life plans, ultimately decreasing barriers to advance care planning.
The new Agile Implementation methodology reorders implementation steps to prioritize end-user input and recognizes them as informed customers. The eight-step methodology addresses the need for rapid diffusion of evidence-based innovations in healthcare.
A large study has found that anticholinergic drugs, commonly prescribed for depression and incontinence, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed over 27 million prescriptions and found a significant link between the use of these medications and dementia diagnosis.
A new study found that higher levels of education during childhood significantly decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older African Americans. This association is particularly strong for those who grew up in low-income rural areas.
A nationwide study found that Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit has only a minimal effect on early identification of cognitive impairment and subsequent care. The visit did lead to increased use of laboratory tests for thyroid dysfunction and vitamin B deficiency, which may be related to reversible causes of cognitive impairment.
A large study found that controlling blood pressure with antihypertensive medications can significantly reduce the risk of dementia in older African-American men and women. The research suggests that good blood pressure control at any age is crucial for preventing cognitive decline.
Kurt Kroenke, MD, has received the Robert J. Glaser award for his significant impact on modern primary care through his research on symptom management, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. His work has led to the development of reliable measurement tools and innovative approaches to optimize pain care effectiveness.
Dr. Callahan is recognized for his decades-long efforts in developing new models of care for older adults, focusing on late-life depression and dementia. He will deliver the keynote lecture at the Society of General Internal Medicine's annual meeting.
A new exploratory study examines how use of sleep tracker data can improve physician-patient dialogue regarding sleep. The study will utilize Fitbit devices and track real-time sleep information to measure results, providing insight into the utility of consumer sleep monitoring devices in primary care.
A novel blueprint for faster implementation of more evidence-based healthcare solutions has been designed and implemented. The Agile Implementation methodology provides a catalytic platform for transforming the current healthcare delivery system into a patient- and family-centric, high-reliability model.
A new study found that predicting avoidable transfers from nursing homes is challenging due to the limited predictive value of symptoms and patient risk conditions. The study suggests that a multi-component approach like OPTIMISTIC has been successful in reducing these transfers, but further work is needed.
A study found subtle but significant differences in perceived hospice quality among patients in different settings. Family members of patients at home rated hospice quality as excellent, while those in nursing homes reported the least. The findings suggest that tailoring communication to patient setting is crucial.
The study found high-quality care for ordering brain imaging and administering antithrombotic agents, but gaps in care for processes like statin prescriptions, carotid artery imaging, and electrocardiography. Patients discharged from the Emergency Department without admission to a VA hospital had lower quality care.
A new study led by Joy L. Lee found that the clinician-patient relationship has a greater impact on patient satisfaction than technology used for communication. The research also revealed provider concerns about data security and time spent on electronic communication.
Two new studies will investigate evidence-based decision aids for Alzheimer's disease care and a comprehensive collaborative care program for veterans with TBI or AD and their caregivers. The programs aim to improve quality of life, reduce burden and depression among caregivers.
A new IU, Regenstrief study explores predictors and frequency of surrogate decision-maker distress, finding that emotional support is crucial for effective decisions and better psychological outcomes. Surrogate anxiety and depression were found to be prevalent among family members making medical decisions for hospitalized older adults.
The OPTIMISTIC program reduced avoidable hospitalizations among long-stay nursing facility residents by 33%, eliminating nearly one in five hospitalizations. The initiative lowered Medicare expenditures by $1589 per resident, resulting in a total savings of over $13.5 million from 2014 to 2016.
Involving patients in their care is critical for improving medication safety, according to Regenstrief Institute researcher Joy L. Lee. A more patient-centered approach to medication safety involves understanding a patient's nuances of how they understand medical instructions and preferences.
A new study reports that a care model for older adults with dementia can benefit ICU survivors of all ages, addressing persistent cognitive impairment and depression. The Critical Care Recovery Center (CCRC) model provides interdisciplinary care to help ICU survivors recover from their hospitalization.
Researchers have developed a new risk assessment scoring system to stratify risk for advanced neoplasia in asymptomatic adults. The study found that patients with lower risk scores may be suitable for less invasive tests such as sigmoidoscopies or occult blood tests.